T10; Testimony for the Church

The East

No occasion should be given to unbelievers to reproach our faith. We are considered odd and singular, and should not take any course to lead unbelievers to think us more so than our faith requires us to be. {T10 30.1}

If some who believe the truth should think it would be more healthful for the sisters to adopt the American costume, yet if that mode of dress should cripple our influence among unbelievers that we could not so readily gain access to them, we should by no means adopt that mode of dress, if we suffered much in consequence. But some are deceived in thinking there is so much benefit to be received from this costume. Where it may prove a benefit to some, to others it is an injury. {T10 30.2}

I saw that God’s order has been reversed, and his special directions disregarded, by those who adopt the American costume. {T10 30.3}

I was referred to Deuteronomy 22:5. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” {T10 30.4}

God would not have his people adopt the so-called dress-reform. It is immodest apparel, wholly unfitted for modest, humble females who are Christ’s followers. {T10 30.5}

An influence is increasing to have women in their appearance and dress as near like the other sex as possible, and fashion their dress very much like the men, but God pronounces it abomination. “In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.” 1 Timothy 2:9. {T10 30.6}

Those who feel called out to join the movement of Women’s Rights, and the so-called Dress Reform, might as well sever all connection with the third angel’s message. The spirit which attends the one cannot be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of women and men. Spiritualists have, to quite an extent, adopted this singular mode of dress. Seventh-day Adventists, who believe in the restoration of the gifts, are often branded as Spiritualists. Let them adopt this costume and their influence is dead. The people would not listen to them, but would place them on a level with Spiritualists. {T10 30.7}

With the so-called Dress Reform, there goes a spirit of levity and of boldness just in keeping with the dress. Modesty and reserve seem to depart from many of them as they adopt that manner of dress. I was shown that God would have us take a course consistent and explainable. Let the sisters adopt the American Costume, and they destroy their own influence and that of their husbands. They would be a by-word and a derision. Our Saviour says, “Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” {T10 31.1}

There is a great work for us to do in the world, and God would not have us take a course to lessen or destroy our influence with the world. {T10 31.2}

Review and Herald

February 6, 1900—Disease and Its Causes

Women should clothe their limbs with regard to health and comfort. They need to have their limbs and feet clad as warmly as do men. The length of the fashionable dress is objectionable for several reasons: { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 1 }

1. It is extravagant and unnecessary to have the dress of such a length that it will sweep the sidewalks and streets. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 2 }

2. A dress thus long gathers dew from the grass, and mud from the streets, which makes it uncleanly. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 3 }

3. In its bedrabbled condition it comes in contact with the sensitive ankles, which are not sufficiently protected, quickly chilling them, and is one of the greatest causes of catarrh and of scrofulous swellings, and endangers health and life. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 4 }

4. The unnecessary length is an additional weight upon the hips and bowels. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 5 }

5. It hinders the walking, and is also often in other people’s way. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 6 }

There is still another style of dress that will be adopted by a class of so-called dress reformers. They will imitate the opposite sex as nearly as possible. They will wear the cap, pants, vest, coat, and boots, the last of which is the most sensible part of the costume. Those who adopt and advocate this style of dress, are carrying the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths. Confusion will be the result. Some who adopt this costume may be correct in their views in general upon the health question, but they could be instrumental in accomplishing vastly more good if they did not carry the matter of dress to such extremes. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 7 }

In this style of dress God’s order has been reversed, and his special direction disregarded. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” Deuteronomy 22:5. This style of dress God would not have his people adopt. It is not modest apparel, and is not at all fitting for modest, humble females who profess to be Christ’s followers. God’s prohibitions are lightly regarded by all who would advocate the doing away of the distinction of dress between males and females. The extreme positions taken by some dress reformers upon this subject cripple their influence. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 8 }

God designed there should be a plain distinction between male and female dress, and has considered the matter of sufficient importance to give explicit directions in regard to it; for the same dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion, and great increase of crime. The apostle Paul would utter a rebuke, were he alive, should he behold females professing godliness with this style of dress. “In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” The mass of professed Christians utterly disregard the teachings of the apostles, and wear gold, pearls, and costly array. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 9 }

God’s loyal people are the light of the world and the salt of the earth; and they should ever remember that their influence is of value. Were they to exchange the extreme long, for the extreme short, dress, they would, to a great extent, destroy their influence. Unbelievers, whom it is their duty to benefit, and seek to bring to the Lamb of God, would be disgusted. Many improvements can be made in the dress of women in reference to health, without making so great a change as to disgust the beholder. { RH February 6, 1900, Art. B, par. 10 }